Could the Arizona Cardinals share their home stadium with another NFL team this season? With a story that changes by the day, such a scenario could come into play as the state of California looks closed for business.
The Arizona Cardinals will host eight NFL games in 2020. Add in the potential for the NFC West, specifically the California teams, playing games at State Farm Stadium, and it could be an interesting season of professional football in Arizona.
With COVID-19, an issue for sports both professional and amateur, states like Arizona could find itself an alternate host for athletic events, specifically those that were to occur in California. NFL franchises like the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers might be looking for relocation if restrictions in the Golden State remain unyielding.
So with that in mind, Arizonans might have some extra NFL football to watch come the 2020 NFL season. Currently, both Arizona and Las Vegas are being discussed as a home base for California teams. Even with a new stadium due to come online for the Rams and Chargers, fans in that part of the country may be out of luck.
Should those teams be relocated, it will be an interesting experience. After Hurricane Katrina forced the New Orleans Saints to move temporarily to San Antonio, Texas, some wondered if the NFL would ever return to New Orleans. While that’s not a concern for the Rams, Chargers, or 49ers, the logistics and fan experience will be interesting.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on May 8, that the above scenario could be a real possibility.
“Both Las Vegas and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Cardinals, could serve as standby venues for the Rams and Chargers should COVID-19 interfere. And there is history for NFL teams playing at venues outside their market due to unforeseen events.”
Mike Florio from NBC Sports Pro Football Talk has also connected the dots with the Niners in Glendale.
With the NFL maintaining a timeline to start the league season on schedule, a lot could change. As it is still May on the calendar, a lot can happen with a story that continues to move at a quick pace.